Florence in one day

by Salogi Villas Villa Rental

Florence is a very famous city for its history, culture and art; being the cradle of the Renaissance and the house of some of the most important Italian personalities as Michelangelo, Machiavelli and the Medici.

The historic center of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and attracts millions of tourists each year.

Florence is also a major economic center, being a tourist and industrial hub. It is also an important fashion design center, being ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world.

The city is situated in a valley on the banks of the River Arno and is surrounded by low hills covered with olive groves and vineyards.Most of the major sights and attractions are within easy walking distance (you may cross the city in 30 minutes).

Generally the reference point of any Florence tour is the central station Santa Maria Novella, because it’s the main station for any bus, train and there is also a big parking for all the tourists. Once arrived in the Piazza you should take the main street to the city centre which is Via de Panzani and then Via de Cerretani. After 10 minutes of walking you will arrive to the Cathedral. The Cathedral was design by Brunelleschi and was built in pink, white and green marble.

Next to the Cathedral, from Piazza San Giovanni, starts Via Roma which leads to Piazza della Reppublica, one of the biggest squares in Firenze which once was the “forum” or the center of the Roman city.

From this square if you follow Via Calimala and then Via Calimaruzza you will arrive in Pizza della Signoria. Piazza della Signoria is one of the most visited squares in the world and this is the meeting place of Florentines, being located near Piazza del Duomo, near Ponte Vecchio and gateway to Uffizi Gallery. This Piazza has the appearance of an outdoor sculpture gallery, hosting the fountain of Neptune and some copies of Michelangelo’s and Donatello’s pieces of art.

There is also the Loggia della Signoria, a platform for public ceremonies which today is a showcase for sculptures.

Then the next stop must be the Uffizi Museum, one of the most popular touristic attractions in Italy. If you want to visit the museum we recommend you to buy the ticket in advance because in high season one may wait up to five hours in order to buy one.

From the Uffizi Gallery you may take a little walk on the banks of the River Arno and you will arrive to the “Ponte Vecchio” which is a well-known bridge with famous jewelry shops since the time of Ferdinando 1st de Medici.

After you cross this lovely bridge you have to turn left and go directly to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a very beautiful square which offers a magnificent panoramic view of Florence. This square has been dedicated to Michelangelo and presents some copies of his work.

This is a one-day tour in Florence that we recommend you and if you are looking for a luxury villa, we recommend you to visit Salogi Villas & Farmhouses.